Blue-gray Gnatcatcher – 5/3/24

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/3/24

Observation Time: 10:15 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Blue-gray gnatcatcher

Scientific Name: Polioptila caerulea

Comments: Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are tiny – smaller than a chickadee.

They are the northernmost-occurring species of gnatcatcher genus, and the only truly migratory one. Most other gnatcatcher species are resident in Central and South America.

The nesting range of blue-gray gnatcatchers has been shifting northward since the early twentieth century. Over the last quarter of that century, the shift was about 200 miles, in concert with increasing average temperatures.

More Information: All About Birds